FORESTS OR FARMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20259, 20 May 1929, Page 13

FORESTS OR FARMS.

j COROMANDEL COUNTY AREAS. SUGGESTIONS TO MINISTER. [by telegraph.—special reporter.] COROMANDEL. Saturday. Suggestions for the "closer settlement of the northern end of the Hauraki peninsula, between Coromandel and Port Charles, were made to the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Hon. O. W. Forbes, last evening, by a deputation introduced bv Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P. Mr. 11. Simmonds explained that opinion was divided as to the value for settlement of some areas in the country indicated. The Coromandel County Council had therefore decided to request the Minister to appoint a commission to determine areas for immediate settlement. Although the country was steep in places, said other speakers, there were blocks ideally situated for sheep and cattle farming. "Personally," said Mr. C. Simpson, "I think you should be guided in these matters bv* your departmental officers. They are in" a better position to advise owing to their special knowledge. Ido not think you should listen 100 much to farmers and local bodies." Mr. N. A. Wells made the suggestion that the Lands and Forestry Departments should exchange cor'ain areas lipid by them. The position was that in this part of the country land now available for settlement should bo used for forestry purposes and the area held for afforestation should be thrown open for settlement. , I T 1 Mr. Forbes intimated that he would be very pleased to make an exchange provided the position was as outlined.